It’s important stop and give generously to our furry, feathered or finned friends. Our animals are a part of a rich ecosystem – as are we – and the world would not be the place it is today without them.

The RSPCA estimates that around 63% of Australian households own pets, with about 25 million+ pets residing in Australia alone.

Man’s Best Friend (dogs) are the most common animal of choice, with cats coming in second. If you’re lucky enough to have the space and environment – and can afford – to have a pet, then you’re doing a good thing by your health. In July 2017, a spokeswoman for The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said research shows that pets improve our health.

“Studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to develop anxiety and depression — loneliness is a huge risk factor for poor mental health and our pets provide companionship and a sense of purpose,”

Not to mention the physical benefits that having to walk a dog each day brings.

So – you might not have the right situation in life to give a pet a home for the 28 Days of Giving Challenge, but there are other ways you can extend your generosity to all creatures great and small.

What help do animals need?

In the 2015-2016 financial year, 137,391 animals were received by the RSPCA Australia, who went into shelters and adoption centres. They also investigated 62,714 complaints of cruelty reported by members of the public; most of which involved dogs and cats, as well as horses and livestock.

Domestic cruelty and abandonment isn’t the only struggle facing our furry friends. Many animals overseas are facing extinction due to poaching and deforestation, whilst others face miserable conditions.

How can you help?

Sponsoring an animal overseas can make a real difference to the charities who care for neglected pets and conservation efforts. And if you make the big step in adopting a rescued animal here in Australia, it might mean a lost puppy finds his forever family.

• World Animal Protection let you donate to different areas of animal care, including farming, in the wild and even disaster response. $25 will help teach children about the importance of animal welfare.
• Animal Aid Abroard lets you sponsor your own dog, horse, elephant or even a camel!
• The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Australasia, let you adopt your own dolphin! Proceeds go towards whaling prevention and ending the captivity of whales and dolphins.
• Closer to home, if you are thinking of getting a new pet, why not adopt a rescued animal from the RSPCA or Sydney Dogs and Cats Home. If your employer provides workplace giving, you can make a pre-tax donation to one of 161 animal charities on the Good2Give Workplace Giving Platform.

To celebrate #GivingTuesday, we are asking Australians to give a little and then share their efforts with a photo or post on Facebook or LinkedIn. All you need to do is tag @good2give #GivingTuesday with your post.

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